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Gospel of Barnabas

Gospel of Barnabas

The Gospel of Barnabas has several distinct features that set it apart from both the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and other apocryphal writings. Here’s a breakdown of its main features:

Jesus is a Human Prophet, Not Divine:

  • Jesus is explicitly described as a man and a prophet, not the Son of God.
  • Denies the Trinity and divinity of Christ.
  • Refers to Jesus as a messenger sent to guide the Children of Israel.

Explicit Prophecy of Muhammad:

  • Uniquely among gospels, it mentions Prophet Muhammad by name.
  • Jesus is portrayed as announcing the coming of Muhammad as the final messenger (a view compatible with Islamic belief).

Denial of the Crucifixion:

  • The gospel claims that Judas Iscariot was crucified in Jesus’ place.
  • Jesus is said to have been taken up to heaven alive, which aligns with the Qur’anic narrative.

Opposition to Apostle Paul:

  • The Gospel criticizes Paul and rejects doctrines often associated with Pauline Christianity (e.g., abrogation of Mosaic Law, salvation through faith alone).

Adherence to Mosaic Law:

  • Emphasizes strict observance of Jewish law (Sabbath, circumcision, dietary restrictions).
  • Jesus is shown urging his followers to follow the Law of Moses faithfully.

Style and Structure:

  • Written as a narrative biography, like the canonical gospels.
  • Contains 222 chapters, more than any New Testament gospel.
  • Language reflects a medieval European style, with anachronisms (like references to wine barrels, feudal concepts, and European names).

Islamic Influence: Contains numerous ideas and themes that align with Islamic theology, such as:

  • Tawheed (monotheism)
  • Denial of original sin
  • Condemnation of idolatry and paganism
  • View of paradise and hell similar to the Qur’an

No Doctrine of Atonement

  • Rejects the concept that Jesus died for humanity’s sins.
  • Emphasizes personal repentance and obedience to God for salvation.

Unique Narratives: Contains many non-biblical episodes, such as:

  • Jesus sailing to Nazareth
  • A dramatic scene where a crowd wants to crown Jesus king
  • A long discourse on the fate of sinners in hell and paradise

Summary of Its Features:

  • Christology: Jesus is a prophet, not divine
  • Eschatology: Predicts Muhammad’s coming
  • Crucifixion: Denied; Judas crucified instead
  • Theology: Strongly monotheistic (like Islam)
  • Paul: Depicted negatively
  • Scriptural Law: Affirms Torah and Mosaic Law
  • Style: Long chapters, medieval tone
  • Canonical Status: Rejected by all major churches
  • Islamic Parallels: Many; closer to Qur’an than Bible

The Gospel of Barnabas is a late apocryphal text, falsely attributed to a biblical figure, that portrays a Jesus aligned with Islamic beliefs — denying the crucifixion and predicting Muhammad. It holds no credibility in academic biblical scholarship or mainstream Christian theology.